Christmas Celebrations

We've had 3 of our 4 Christmases so far this year. We still have one more this weekend in Greensburg, so I'm sure I'll have more stories to share from that one, but here's the run-down of the 3 we have had already.

The 20th we spent time in Greensburg for an extended family Christmas at Aunt Beth's house. We had a good time watching all the little kiddos open up their gifts. Leyton was pretty excited about his Cars tent he got for his room. We finally got it out yesterday and he begged me get inside with him. Let's just say we both didn't fit. Last night Daddy had to take a turn. I think he pretty much wore the tent as a shirt.

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day in Holland with Josh's family. We woke Leyton up with the video camera and, after figuring out what was going on, he took off running upstairs to see what Santa had brought him. He was so excited and immediately started looking for the castle and dragon he was sure he would be getting. Santa saved that one for last! At first, he wasn't sure about it...but now he is loving it!

Jada was content sitting with GG for the morning while Josh and I opened her gifts. GG did a great job showing Jada all her new stuff! [Look at those chubby cheeks! :)]
On Saturday, we headed to Pioneer, OH for Josh's extended family Christmas. We had a white elephant exchange for the adults and the kids exchanged gifts as well. I came home with a hospital water jug. Josh got two Cleveland Indians mugs. Leyton was very happy with his new race car trailer. The kid has more toys than he knows what to do with and I'm sure he's going to come home with more from Mamaw and Pa this weekend. Jada had no clue what was going on, but still got all kinds of cute outfits, teethers, baby dolls, and even her first purse! She was stylin' on Saturday in her new sweater dress!

Sunday, we spent the afternoon in the SNOW! Lots of snow. We took Leyton sledding. He loved it! I took a video while the two of us went down the hill, but unfortunately I have no clue how to download it to the computer. I'll have to have Josh teach me that one and I'll share it with you. [If there is anyone that even reads this!] I was able to take a few pictures too though.

This is the trail on the way to the top of the hill. Quite the scene!

We made it to the top!Emily, Elizabeth, and JonathanLeyton and Uncle Jonny getting set for take off.

I would say we have definitely had a successful Christmas holiday. We have been lucky enough to be able to spend time with both of our families. I hope everyone else has enjoyed their holiday as well!

Thoughts

I went to the funeral of one of my patients yesterday. I don't go to many of my patient's funerals. Actually, this was the first funeral I've gone to, but I have gone to two other patient's calling hours. Like many other people, I wouldn't say going to a funeral is one of my most favorite activities, but this funeral was one of the best I have attended...if there is such a thing. The life of this man was definitely celebrated, and what a great life it was. I always think that I wish I had the opportunity to meet some of the people I have been privileged to take care of prior to them becoming sick with cancer. I have met some of the most amazing people during the past [almost] 5 years I have been an oncology nurse. I can only imagine how their lives were before they got the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis. Even in the midst of battling a horrible disease, these people are always so positive and uplifting. Someone said yesterday during the funeral that [we'll call him T] had every reason to be bitter and angry at the world, yet he was always the exact opposite. The first person to have a smile on his face, the first person to have encouraging words...even when the doctors told him from day one that he was terminal. It's amazing the attitudes of these people. I am seriously inspired every day I'm at work. I'm pretty sure that's just one reason I love my job. People always ask how or why I would want to take care of cancer patients. Isn't it sad? Yes, it definitely has it's sad moments...but it also keeps life in perspective. It constantly reminds me that life can change at the drop of a hat. You never know what tomorrow will bring. That's why we have to live every day with purpose.

Thank you, T, for teaching me how to live life. Your life was a great inspiration to many people.

First Christmas

This was Leyton's first Christmas. 3 years ago, already. It really doesn't seem possible that this is his 3rd Christmas. It seems crazy, actually.

But, really, this year seems like his first Christmas. He LOVED seing Santa this year---all 3 times so far. He has LOVED waking up the past few mornings to snow being on the ground. He has LOVED seeing Christmas lights when we drive down the road. And, he is LOVING seeing Christmas presents under the tree. Actually, he said it best just last night. "I love Christmas time, Mom!" [What 2 1/2 year old says that?!]

I can't wait to see his face Christmas morning when he sees that Santa has brought him new toys! Hopefully Santa finds the castle, dragon, and fighter he wants. After all, he's asked him for it 3 times!

For my sister...on her [almost] 30th birthday!

The first memory I have with my sister I was being chased around the yard by her. She loved to chase me with her big, googly eyes. It scared me but made her laugh. She apparently got a kick out of it. What big sister wouldn't, I guess?

A few years later, I remember going on a camping trip with the whole family. I have no recollection of where we were, but I remember a campsite and a lake. Lindsey and Jeni decided it would be fun to go to the other side of the lake...without me. Me, being the little sister, wanted to follow...so I took off running to catch up to them. I fell and gashed my leg open on a tree stump. Many stitches later, I now have a nice scar on my right knee as a forever reminder of that trip. [Pun, intended.]

I remember when I was 8 and our grandma lost her battle with lung cancer. I remember waking up that morning freaking out because I thought we were late for school. Lindsey sadly told me we weren't going to school that day, that mom needed to talk to me, and she escorted me down the stairs to mom. I got the news...with my sister by my side.

In high school, I was a measly freshman while Lindsey was a senior. Of course, still being the little sister, I always wanted to follow her everywhere...out to dinner with friends, taking a drive through the woods, shopping--anywhere. Wherever she was going, I wanted to go along. I remember her being extremely annoyed when Jody would be on my side and talk her into letting me go. [Thanks, Jody! :)]

Later in my high school years, Lindsey became my battle fighter. She was always the first person to stand up for me. Any time she thought someone was treating me badly, she wasn't afraid to do the talking for me. She fought many battles in my honor.

Then, off to college I went and things changed. My sister was no longer just my sister. She became my friend. It's funny how that change just happens, isn't it? All my life I grew up with this girl. We fought. She suffocated me. I scratched her--and left scars to prove it. We yelled at each other. I'm sure we even said 'I hate you' once or twice. But, we grew up...thank goodness. And now, I can honestly say, she is one of my best friends. I am so thankful to have a sister, and even more thankful to say that Lindsey is my sister.

Happy birthday, Sister!

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead

Lazy days

I really don't have anything fun or exciting to talk about. Just felt like writing, I guess.

Jada is 2 months old already. Time flies by when you don't want it to, that's for sure. I only have a little more than 2 weeks before I have to go back to work. It's kind of bittersweet, actually. In some ways [like the pocketbook] I'm totally ready. I do miss my coworkers and just my job in general, but I'm sure once I get back I'm going to wish I had more time at home with Leyton and Jada. It's been a lot of fun to be able to spend time with Leyton every day. I'm sure he's going stir crazy though. We've spent quite a few of these days locked up in the house thanks to the yucky weather and the lovely swine flu floating around. It'll be interesting to see how he does once I'm back to work and he's with the babysitter. I'm sure he'll be fine...he always is, but this is obviously the longest he's gone without having to stay with a babysitter.

We're gearing up to spend the next 3 weekends away from home again. This weekend we'll be back in Greensburg for an extended family Christmas. The following weekend we'll be in Michigan for Christmas Eve until the day after Christmas. Then, the first weekend in January we'll travel back down to Greensburg for Christmas with mom, dad, Lindsey, Jordan and Landon. Then...it's back to work I go. I think having the holidays during maternity leave has made it go by even quicker. It's been great to be able to spend the holidays with our families, but not so great that it's made the time fly by.

I'll keep that in mind next time...if there is a next time. :)

Sweets and Treats

Mom and I have been busy...just a little.

Yesterday we spent 10 hours in the kitchen making up some yummy goodness. I'm not even kidding when I say the kitchen looked like our own little candy store/bakery. I would shop there anyday!

I spent a good 5 hours dipping pretzels and marshmallows in chocolate. I'm telling you, it was well worth the time. They are delicious!

Take a gander and let me know what your favorite is. Maybe we'll save you some! ;)

Quite possibly perfect red velvet cupcakes [homemade, of course]

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Red velvet cupcakes iced and ready to much on!

Peanut butter balls...aka buckeyes.

Banana bread fresh out of the oven.


Chocolate covered marshmallows...like a s'more, only better!

My personal favorite, peanut butter fudge.

It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. Hopefully it will pay off tomorrow when the whole family gets a chance to enjoy [and buy] some of our treats!